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All eyes will be on the Camp Nou on Sunday when Barcelona host Real Madrid in La Liga in the 247th El Clasico. Although the two sides have had contrasting starts to their 2021-22 campaigns in the league, form goes out the window in this rivalry.
There are no favourites either, given the unpredictable nature of this historic fixture. Real Madrid, currently in second place in the La Liga table with a game in hand, are unbeaten in their last four games against their arch-rivals. They have beaten the Blaugrana in each of their last three meetings.
Madrid will look to make it four in a row for the first time since 1965, although Los Blancos haven't won consecutive games at Camp Nou in more than five decades. Meanwhile, the pressure is on Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman. He has been walking a tight rope, as his team's results have been patchy and performances disappointing.
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With no Lionel Messi to save their beacon anymore, the Blaugrana have been left to grind it out themselves. Suffice to say, they have struggled to do so.
Languishing in eighth place with just four wins and 15 points from eight games, another setback on Sunday could see Koeman get the sack. But as mentioned before, you can never predicy what this fixture possibly has in store, so regardless of the clubs' standings, we're in for some fun.
Ahead of the mouth-watering kick-off, let's see how Barcelona and Real Madrid would stack up in a hypothetical combined XI: (Formation: 3-4-3)
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
From being mocked as the worst signing to being hailed as one of the best in the game, Thibaut Courtois has turned things around spectacularly at Madrid.
He has kept 35 clean sheets in 72 league games in the last two seasons. Courtois won the Zamora Trophy (for most clean sheets in a La Liga season) during Real Madrid's title-winning 2019-20 campaign.
In the current campaign, the Belgian has gone about his business as usual, ranking eighth for saves made in the division, with 24 in eight games.
He is known for his excellent positional sense, composure and ability to excel in one-on-one situations. Courtois will have to bring his shot-stopping skills to the fore on Sunday as he seeks a third Clasico clean sheet.
Centre-back: Eder Militao (Real Madrid)
Real Madrid's Eder Militao stepped up to the plate in the absence of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane last season, proving to be an excellent deputy. Now, with both of Madrid's old guards gone, he has become more crucial in their set-up.
He cleans up danger with his excellent man-marking and vision, and is no slouch on the ball himself. Militao has completed 90.8% of his passes this season, which is among the best in La Liga. He has also averaged 2.6 clearances per game, and is strong in the air too.
Centre-back: Gerard Pique (Barcelona)
Gerard Pique may be long past his prime, but the fact he's still at Barcelona is a testament to his longevity and value at the club.
He's still assertive in one-on-one situations, exudes confidence on the ball, and is dominant in the air. His winner against Dynamo Kyiv on Tuesday made him the joint-most prolific goalscoring defender in Champions League history.
Pique is now also the oldest Barcelona player to score in the continental competition. He will look to continue his good form against Real Madrid on Sunday as Barcelona seek to close the gap on the league leaders.
Centre-back: David Alaba (Real Madrid)
In a short while, David Alaba has established himself as a key figure at Real Madrid. Arriving from Bayern Munich on a Bosman, the Austrian has looked right at home at the heart of their defence.
Incredibly versatile, Alaba offers Carlo Ancelotti immense tactical flexibility. His leadership qualities have also filled the void left by Ramos. One of his greatest assets is passing; he currently averages 91.3% in La Liga, and has registered two assists too.
Right Midfielder: Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona)
Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong was one of the few bright spots during another tough campaign for the Blaugrana last season. He has continued in the same vein in the current campaign too.
A versatile midfielder blessed with incredible passing ability, the Dutchman also reads the game brilliantly and makes dangerous offensive runs through the middle. He has bagged two assists in La Liga so far, and will look to make an impact against Real Madrid.
Defensive Midfielder: Casemiro (Real Madrid)
Casemiro has left us exhausted of superlatives. He's indispensable as Real Madrid's midfield anchor, and over the years, he has carved himself into a cult figure among the club's faithful.
His ability to provide balance to the side allows the likes of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric to roam forward freely. Casemiro also distributes the ball accurately after winning back possession.
Defensive Midfielder: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona)
Sergio Busquets may no longer be the force he once was, but the Spaniard remains a key player for Barcelona. His wealth of experience has been the guiding light for many Barcelona young players.
Busquets could play a key role against Real Madrid. He has made 40 appearances across competitions against Los Blancos, the most he has played against a single team.
The 33-year-old still stands out for his technical ability and unsurpassed reading of the game. He times his tackles to perfection, helping his side break opposition plays, and has registered an 86% pass completion rate in La Liga this season.
Left Midfielder: Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
Age is just a number for Luka Modric, who, at 36, continues to play as if he's still in his heydays. His work rate would put younger players to shame. Suffice to say, Modric can change the course of games at the drop of a hat.
A quick and creative playmaker with great vision, Modric can break teams open with his deft passes. He also possesses a keen eye for goal. His long-range efforts are well-documented. Modric scored an outrageous goal against Barcelona on his last visit to the Camp Nou.
Right Winger: Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
After struggling for consistency since joining Real Madrid, Vinicius Junior is finally playing to his potential this season. With seven goals and five assists in all competitions so far, the Brazilian is enjoying the finest form of his career.
His finishing skills have been at their deadliest, and the 21-year-old has also linked up with Karim Benzema with devastating effect. Vinicius is finally showing the ability and attitude that earmarked him as a potential star.
Striker: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
Much like Vinicius, Karim Benzema has been on fire this season. In fact, he has made the best-ever start to a La Liga campaign by any player, scoring nine times and registering seven assists in eight top-flight games.
With no Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo this time, the Frenchman has emerged as a favourite for the league's Golden Boot. Having also led Les Blues to Nations League glory recently, he is a contender for the Ballon d'Or award too.
Benzema has scored ten goals in 39 El Clasico games against Barcelona. Considering his blistering current form, he could add to that tally on Sunday.
Left Winger: Memphis Depay (Barcelona)
It's been a promising start to life in Barcelona for Memphis Depay, who arrived from Lyon on a free transfer this summer. He's currently the Blaugrana'd top-scorer in the league, with four strikes to his name.
Even though Barcelona have blown hot and cold this season, the Dutch winger has consistently delivered the goods. He has taken to his new surroundings like a fish to water, taking little time to prove his worth.
